Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Setting up SSB audio on a modern HF transceiver is actually much easier than many people think… once you understand the balancing act between:
- Mic Gain
- ALC
- Compression / Processing
- Output Power
In this video I show you the exact process I personally use whenever I set up a new radio.
We look at:
- What ALC actually does
- Why overdriving sounds terrible
- Why no ALC is important for digital modes
- How compression stabilises your signal
- Why your power meter jumps around on SSB
- Mic technique and distance
- Common mistakes new operators make
- Why “more mic gain” is often the WRONG answer
This isn’t a laboratory-grade engineering lecture - it’s simply the practical real-world method I use in the shack every day.
Whether you’re brand new to HF or you’ve been operating for years, hopefully this helps you get cleaner, stronger and more consistent audio on the air.
73,
Callum - DX Commander
Setting up SSB audio on a modern HF transceiver is actually much easier than many people think… once you understand the balancing act between:
- Mic Gain
- ALC
- Compression / Processing
- Output Power
In this video I show you the exact process I personally use whenever I set up a new radio.
We look at:
- What ALC actually does
- Why overdriving sounds terrible
- Why no ALC is important for digital modes
- How compression stabilises your signal
- Why your power meter jumps around on SSB
- Mic technique and distance
- Common mistakes new operators make
- Why “more mic gain” is often the WRONG answer
This isn’t a laboratory-grade engineering lecture - it’s simply the practical real-world method I use in the shack every day.
Whether you’re brand new to HF or you’ve been operating for years, hopefully this helps you get cleaner, stronger and more consistent audio on the air.
73,
Callum - DX Commander
